Guardian group has not broken spirit of Scott Trust: GMG

Many journalists, politicians and councillors feel the Guardian has betrayed its roots and made an unprincipled withdrawal from the regional press.

Tony Lloyd, the Labour MP for Manchester Central, said that though the print media is going through a difficult time, this is another retreat from the Guardian's claim of social responsibility.

When the Guardian bought the Observer in 1992, the terms of the Trust were rewritten by Liz Forgan, currently chairman of the Trust.

According to the new terms, unlike the Trust's earlier purpose of protecting both papers, its purpose now is to solely preserve the Guardian. Chris Wade, the director of communications at GMG, confirmed this fact.